In the first editorial article, “A Force to Fight Global Warming”*, published November 19, 2009, this decade’s hot topic (pun intended) about the warming of our planet, is explored. The authors argue that Earth’s natural ecosystems and habitats must be saved and not disappear due to climate change and global warming. They also point out that by saving these environments, it will save countries vast amounts of money in the long run. Two controversial issues are discussed: the fact that global warming exists and the idea that saving natural ecosystems will save money. The authors believe that maintaining and restoring habitats are two of the cheapest ways to deal with the climate change problem. New technology would not be needed to sustain forests, etc, since the materials are already there for us! The example was discussed that coastal wetlands in the US provide people and homes protection and without them, the US could spend an extra $23.2 billion dollars! JUST THINK about how much money that is. Thousands of pairs of Steve Madden stilettos, Gucci purses, sorority dues, and not to mention rent for houses! We all know how expensive THAT can get! Now, global warming is still a controversial topic, and there are many fervent supporters on both sides of the issue. Critics of this article claim that, in fact, it is the climate change ‘hysteria’ that is costing billions of dollars.
The second author, Bob Carter, is skeptical about whether or not global warming exists at all, and definitely does not consider the idea that it could be caused my human kind. In his article, "Global Change Hysteria Costing Billions", (2007)Carter states that there are studies that indicate Earth will experience a cooling trend over the next few decades. Some studies show that no ground-based warming has even occurred since 1998! Now girls, I don’t know about you, but to me, the summers are feeling warmer and warmer, and I definitely seem to be getting more burned than I did a few years ago! So it’s a little difficult for me to think that temperatures have not increased in over ten years, but hey, I’m no scientist! It’s still freezing here on campus. I’m constantly wearing my Northface and Uggs, so maybe it hasn’t gotten any warmer after all! Carter also points out that $60 billion dollars have been spent since 1990 towards global warming research and evidence is lacking to conclude that it is a dangerous problem. The results especially do not prove that any increase in temperatures is human-caused.
After reading both articles, the first one seems a little bit more convincing. More statistics were shown and details were drawn out. Although it was lengthier than the second, the authors gave more evidence to back up their claims, leading me to believe them more than Carter’s assertions. Like I stated in my biography, science is not my forte, but I’ve seen those heartbreaking commercials where the mother Polar Bear is separated from her cub because of the melting ice. I don’t think that preserving our natural ecosystems is at all a bad idea, and it might in fact prevent negative trends from affecting our planet. My sorority has actually organized fundraisers to collect and donate money to WWF and other wildlife rescue organizations, so I must somewhat agree with the first articles purpose. With the global population booming and continuing to grow, I don’t see how the extra pollution and construction COULDN’T negatively affect our planet. So, my main point? Preserving ecosystems won’t hurt anyone, and it’s a great outlet to provide our sisterly volunteer services!
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